Sky Dust

Chapter 26

He was surprised by how quick the walk to Mirot was. He had the feeling that it was only afternoon when Vivia knocked on a door.

"A trader," she smiled mysteriously. "I barely know him, but he's the only one in Mirot whose name I know."

A man opened the door, eyeing everyone with suspicion. His gaze landed on Spencer, but returned to Vivia in a moment.

"It's Vivia, Cassian's daughter," she broke into explanation. "Remember me?"

He nodded, still keeping the corner of his eye on Spencer.

"So?" he asked her.

"This is Spencer. Heard about any attack?"

"Ahh," he rolled his eyes. "I thought everyone had forgotten about it."

Vivia's eyes widened.

"No, and no. You're in constant danger. Can we stay here for two nights?"

She came closer and said something that Spencer couldn't make out. All he cared about was the "two nights" part. Vivia would always stay for only one night, afraid of danger. Did she think that they were safer here?

She finally stepped down. Spencer paid attention to the wave of her white hair.

"Okay, he's letting us in."

He came in silently and stared into the house cautiously. It was just like any other Dapheni house he had seen: neat, small, practical. Not hesitant anymore, he came in. Vivia went back to talking with the trader at the other end of the room.

Spencer remembered about the blood dust in his pocket and grabbed it, looking down. The warmth and the glow were still there.

He wondered if Elaset would also despise blood dust.

For once, the trader looked away from the conversation and caught his gaze. He was smiling, as if piercing the mist, and Spencer smiled back. He suddenly felt safer and returned to exploring the house.

There was a staircase, but it was more neatly made than last time. He almost stepped upon it, but decided to wait for Vivia.

He did, however, get seriously interested in the pouch lying carelessly on the table. It seemed empty, - at least, there was no glow and it was thin.